Prospect Review: Upson Lee at Fitzgerald

By Barry EverySouthernPigskin.com

Here are some of participants that displayed the size, athleticism and football acumen worthy of attention from college recruiters.

Fitzgerald, Georgia – Fitzgerald (Ga.) overcame two failed fourth-down attempts and a pair of turnovers in the first half to secure a 28-24 non-region victory over Thomaston (Ga.) Upson Lee. Canes signal caller Justin Reliford led the way, tossing two touchdown passes while rushing for definitive score early in the fourth quarter.

Unfortunately Upson Lee was without two-sport superstar Travon Walker who broke his thumb the week prior versus Hamilton (Ga.) Harris County. His presence in this contest would have almost assuredly made a difference in the outcome.

Below are some of participants that displayed the size, athleticism and football acumen worthy of attention from college recruiters. Many of the standouts are not household names, but still deserving of recognition. Let’s face it the big boys (FBS) are pretty much done with recruiting in 2019, but several FCS and DII programs are still in search of difference makers. For underclassmen, time is still on their side.

Upson Lee

Demeke Colbert, WR/ATH, 6-1/185 (2020)

The wildcat quarterback played receiver and some cornerback versus Fitzgerald. Colbert has nice length and a great frame for adding more muscle mass. On the evening he caught six passes for 95 yards and one touchdown. Two plays stood out in the contest; he was able to show off his explosive speed chasing down a 68-yard touchdown strike. Colbert also displayed elusiveness on a 12-yard catch that was originally caught behind the line of scrimmage. His skillset lends itself for projecting as a wide receiver or possible free safety in college. Though he has no offers at this time Colbert’s future looks bright because he has size, athleticism and more importantly the versatility to grab the attention of college recruiters.

Jaqualeon Harris, DT, 6-0/295 (2019)

This interior lineman is falling under the radar at this time. His body structure is ideal for projecting as a nose guard at the next level. Harris possesses a very athletic looking powerbase and has thick muscular arms. What stands out is his willingness to chase plays and never give up. Harris recorded five tackles and one sack in the game. One area he could improve upon is leading more with his hands rather than bull rushing his way through the offensive line. There is no questioning his power and strength at the point of attack but adding more moves to his pass rushing repertoire will attract attention. Again, his body type is rare and there should be a place for him next year at the FCS or DII level.

Travon Walker, DE/DT, 6-5/260 (2019)

Walker was held out of game due to broken thumb; the standout defensive lineman should be back later this season. One thing is for sure the cordial two-sport star is already use to having cameras shoved in his face and is more than obliging to answer questions. These characteristics should take him far in life and as a future star in college. The Georgia Bulldog commit is currently the #23 rated prospect in the nation according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings.

Fitzgerald

Damien Devine, ATH, 5-11/195 (2019)

Devine recently picked up his first offer from FCS-Jacksonville University just last week. He is the bigger of the two senior athletes that play both sides of the ball for the Canes. Versus Upson Lee he saw reps at receiver and outside linebacker. Devine recorded four tackles and a TFL while catching four passes for 35 yards. Perhaps his most athletic play occurred on a touchdown saving interception return that occurred on the opposite side of the field. Devine came blazing out of nowhere, running nearly 50 yards, to stop the potential pick six. He may best project as strong safety in college, but deep inside I believe the former standout running back could still play that position in college.

Ethan Gordon, RB/DB, 5-9/170 (2019)

Without a doubt Gordon looked like the real difference maker for Fitzgerald Football. The versatile whirling dervish played running back, receiver, safety and returned kicks. On six offensive touches he accounted for 101 yards and one score while returning a second half kickoff over 50 yards. Gordon displayed his incredible top flight speed on the Canes first score going 59 yards up the gut untouched to glory. Also impressive was his aggressiveness as a striker in run support. He will simply come up and wipe out the legs of his opponent while running at breakneck speed. There has to be a place at the FCS or DII level for this young man as he is simply a FOOTBALL PLAYER!

Mario Clark, RB, 5-9/190, (2021)

This thick all-purpose back rushed the rock nine times for 50 yards while catching one pass for five yards. Clark is someone Head Coach Tucker Pruitt has high hopes for as player and a prospect. And his expectations were never more evident when Clark gained 25 yards on back-to-back carries early in the fourth quarter. He hit the line of scrimmage with a head of steam and was able to break several tackles to keep the clock rolling with the Canes clinging to slim four point lead. He needs to run like this on every play because his pinball body type is ideal for careening off of would-be-tacklers. Clark then has the speed to pull away from defenders. He is someone the Canes will need to count on if they are going to have any chance of winning that coveted Region Title versus the likes of Quitman (Ga.) Brooks County and Thomasville (Ga.).